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New to plug-in solar?

Plug-in solar lets anyone generate free electricity — no roof, no permit, no contractor. A single panel on your balcony can meaningfully cut your bill, especially as rates keep rising.

What is plug-in solar? →How it saves you money →

Pending legislation

Coming Soon — Colorado is considering plug-in solar legislation

Would permit plug-in solar systems up to 800W AC to be connected to standard household outlets statewide without a building permit, utility notification, or interconnection agreement.

Get notified when Colorado goes legal

We track every vote. One email when this bill passes — no spam.

Bill Status

Bill number

HB 1291

Read full bill ↗

What to Expect If This Passes

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Up to 800W, no permit

The bill as drafted would allow systems up to 800W AC connected to a standard household outlet — no permit, no utility approval required.

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No net metering

The bill does not include net metering for plug-in systems. Excess generation would not be credited. Self-consumption maximization is key.

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Renters included

The bill does not restrict installation to homeowners. Renters would still need landlord consent, but no permanent installation is required.

Electricity Cost Trend

↑ 6.0%/yr avg — Moderate

Rates up 34% over the past 5 years

From $0.105/kWh in 2021 → $0.140/kWh today. Every year you delay solar, your bills compound.

6.0%

avg. annual increase

Historical avg. residential rate ($/kWh)

$0.105

2021

$0.111

2022

$0.118

2023

$0.125

2024

$0.132

2025

$0.140

2026

20-year projected rate

$0.449/kWh

at 6.0%/yr escalation

Extra you'll pay over 20 yrs*

$2,350

vs. today's rates (1,000 kWh/mo household)

Best time to go solar

Now

Each year of delay = a year of higher grid bills

Estimated Savings Preview

Based on Colorado's $0.140/kWh avg. rate and 5.5 sun hours/day. Use this to plan — not to make a purchase yet.

Your zip code — get exact NREL sun hours

Default: 5.5h/day (Colorado avg)

System Cost$1,200

$900$2,200

System Size (state max: 800W)800W

400W800W

Self-Consumption Ratewhat's this?60%

30%100%

Electricity Rate$0.140/kWh

$0.080/kWh$0.400/kWh

Rate Escalation Scenario

Year 1 Generation

819 kWh

68 kWh/mo

Year 1 Savings

$115

$10/mo

Payback Period

9 yrs

by year 9

25-Year Savings

$5,841

net $4,641

ℹPanels typically last 25–30 years with a 25-year output warranty. Microinverters carry a 10–25 year warranty depending on brand. Battery modules degrade faster — expect 10–15 years before capacity drops below 80%. The 25-year savings figure above assumes the panel and inverter run for the full window; budget ~$200–$400 for an inverter swap around year 15 if needed.

Cumulative Savings vs. Break-even ($)

Selected scenario2% escalation8% escalationBreak-even

Calculator AssumptionsSavings estimates are projections based on average sun hours, self-consumption assumptions, and rate escalation scenarios. Actual results vary by roof orientation, shading, usage patterns, and local rate schedules. The federal ITC for residential solar expired December 31, 2025.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is plug-in solar legal in Colorado now?

Not yet. HB 1291 is pending a full House vote. Until it passes and is signed into law, you would need a standard utility interconnection agreement with Xcel Energy for any grid-connected solar system.

What does HB 1291 propose?

Systems up to 800W AC connected to a standard 120V outlet would not require a permit or utility notification. Excess generation would not be credited. The 800W cap aligns with existing UL 1741 plug-in inverter standards.

Stay in the Loop

We monitor the Colorado legislature and will email you the moment HB 1291 is signed into law or fails. No spam — one email per bill outcome.

Legal DisclaimerLaws change. Information on this site reflects our best understanding of current statutes as of the date shown. It is not legal advice. Verify requirements with your state utility commission, local building department, and a qualified attorney before installation.